4 Types of Soil Conservation

There are several methods to conserve soil.

Soil is one of our most important resources. We rely on good soil for farming, filtration systems and protection against harsh elements. Because of the overuse of land, soil erosion is now a global issue, but everyone can learn to protect our soil and help keep our planet healthy.

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion occurs in two ways. Natural erosion comes from the disintegration of rocks or other materials over millions of years; accelerated erosion occurs with over-farming, soil removal and other human activities.

Farming Techniques

Farmland conservation techniques such as contour planting, crop rotation and strip planting re-energize soil content and prevent erosion.

Conservation Tillage

Conservation tillage practices like strip-tilling, no-tilling, ridge-tilling and mulch-tilling leave a good portion of nutrient-rich organic material in place and conserve topsoil.

Contour Bunding and Bench Terracing

Contour bunding and bench terracing are effective soil conservation techniques. Bunding protects land from water runoff, and bench terracing recycles organic matter from one terrace to the next.

Cover Crops

Planting cover crops like oats, wheat or rye on unused land builds organic matter while protecting topsoil from wind and water erosion.

References

• Iowa Agriculture Awareness Coalition
• Agricultural Planning & Information Bank
• Georgia Perimeter College: Agriculture

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• U.S. Department of Agriculture